Life, love and laughter from Steve Goodier. Life Support System articles, stories, humor and hope.

Friday, August 10, 2012

At the Complaint Counter

I understand
that an Athens hotel posted a sign that read: “Visitors are expected to
complain at the office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. daily.” So,
visitors are actually expected to complain?

Of course,
complaints in themselves are not bad things. I realize that something has to be
addressed before it can be fixed, and I believe that there are times when
dissatisfaction should be expressed. What’s more, I realize that we all have
different temperaments. Some people naturally see the glass half full, some see
it half empty and some just see that they will probably end up washing it. Some
people are naturally more accepting while others complain quickly.

But a
tendency to constantly look at what is wrong can become a habit. And habits can
take over. I just don’t want to become a person who spends a lot of time “standing
at the complaint counter.”

Like the woman
who frequented a small antique shop. She complained constantly about the
prices, the quality and even the location.

The shop
owners took it in stride, but one day, while ranting about selection, she
blasted the clerk with: “Why is it I never manage to get what I ask for in your
shop?”

The clerk
smiled and replied, “Possibly because we’re too polite.”

I find that
if I fill my mind with the little irritants of life, I have no room, or energy,
left for anything that nurtures and feeds my spirit. No room for genuine
appreciation. No room for understanding. No room for enjoyment. No room for
fond memories. No room for storing a list of things that bring pleasure.

I actually
believe there is much to feel good about. Humorist Bob Orben rightly said, “The
next time you feel like complaining, remember that your garbage disposal
probably eats better than thirty percent of the people in this world.” I want
to leave room in my mind for a long gratitude list that I can readily recall when
I need a boost. I want to notice what’s good and right about the world. And I
want to fill my heart and head with that which brings some joy so that I may go
to bed each evening contented.

Attitudes
are habits. Like television producer Barbara Gordon says, “While others may
argue about whether the world ends with a bang or a whimper, I just want to
make sure mine doesn’t end with a whine.” I can’t put it any better than that.